Lappet-faced vulture

At the Detroit ZooThe lappet-faced vultures can be found in the vulture habitat next to the camels from April through September.

DescriptionThe lappet-faced vulture is a large bird with a heavy bald head and massive brown bill. It has mainly dark feathers and is easily identified by its bare pink head and large, fleshy lappets (folds of skin) on the sides of its neck. It has white feathers on its legs.

Scientific name: Torgos tracheliotusContinent: Africa and Middle EastHabitat: Dry savannah, semi-arid or desert areas with only scattered trees and open mountain slopes up to 15,000 feet above sea levelSize: 3 to 4 feetWeight: 13 to 18 poundsDiet: Carrion (dead and decaying flesh) and sometimes live prey, including small mammals and birdsReproduction: One egg that incubates for 55 daysLifespan: 20 to 50 yearsConservation Status: Vulnerable

FUN FACTS

Lappet-faced vultures are able to strip a small antelope carcass to the bone within 20 minutes.